Multi-platform omni-channel content creator

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the inventive concept include a multi-platform omni-channel content creation and distribution system. The system includes a multi-platform media content data and logic structure, a user interface logic section configured to interface with a user and the multi-platform media content data and logic structure, and a multi-sectional view configured to be shown on a display. The multi-sectional view includes a metadata section in a first section thereof and a simulated true-to-life preview section in a second section thereof. The user interface logic section receives metadata information from the user. The metadata section displays the metadata information. The multi-platform media content data and logic structure causes the simulated true-to-life preview section to show a piece of content with exact proportional dimensions and appearance as it would appear under actual non-simulated real-world circumstances for a particular media platform and associated physical device.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 62/193,785, filed on Jul. 17, 2015, which is hereby incorporated byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application pertains to content creation, and more particularly, toa multi-platform omni-channel media content creator including an in-lineeditor and true-to-life preview methods and logic.

BACKGROUND

It is challenging for businesses to create and distribute coherent andeffective branding messages or other information to their customersbecause of the disparate nature of the various media platforms.Maintaining consistent brand messaging across disparate channels (e.g.,social, email, web, print, retail, billboard, or the like) and keepingup with the total volume of content created are difficult tasks whenrelying on conventional tools. Each channel can have various mediaplatforms with different layouts, which can even vary within aparticular platform across different kinds of devices such as a smartphone, a tablet, or a desktop computer. The complexity of the mediaenvironment often results in duplicated efforts, misaligned or sloppycontent, and ineffective campaigns. Building and maintaining a loyalcustomer base can therefore be a monumental task using conventionaltechniques.

Accordingly, a need remains for improved methods and systems formulti-platform media content creation and distribution. Embodiments ofthe inventive concept address these and other limitations in the priorart.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an example multi-platformomni-channel content creation and distribution system for creating anddistributing multi-platform omni-channel content in accordance withvarious embodiments of the present inventive concept.

FIGS. 2 through 7 illustrate various embodiments of a multi-platformomni-channel media content creator in accordance with variousembodiments of the present inventive concept.

FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of another example multi-platformmedia content creation and distribution system for creating anddistributing multi-platform media content in accordance with variousembodiments of the present inventive concept.

FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of yet another example multi-platformmedia content creation and distribution system for creating anddistributing multi-platform media content in accordance with variousembodiments of the present inventive concept.

FIG. 10 illustrates a flow diagram including a technique for creating,collaborating on, approving, and distributing media content inaccordance with various embodiments of the present inventive concept.

FIGS. 11 through 29 illustrate various example embodiments of themulti-platform omni-channel media content creator of FIG. 1 inaccordance with various embodiments of the present inventive concept.

The foregoing and other features of the inventive concept will becomemore readily apparent from the following detailed description, whichproceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the inventiveconcept, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.The accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In thefollowing detailed description, numerous specific details are set forthto enable a thorough understanding of the inventive concept. It shouldbe understood, however, that persons having ordinary skill in the artmay practice the inventive concept without these specific details. Inother instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits,and networks have not been described in detail so as not tounnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. maybe used herein to describe various elements, these elements should notbe limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish oneelement from another. For example, a first media platform could betermed a second media platform, and, similarly, a second media platformcould be termed a first media platform, without departing from the scopeof the inventive concept.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to asbeing “on,” “coupled to,” or “connected to” another element or layer, itcan be directly on, directly coupled to or directly connected to theother element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may bepresent. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directlyon,” “directly coupled to,” or “directly connected to” another elementor layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Likenumbers refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, the term“and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of theassociated listed items.

The terminology used in the description of the inventive concept hereinis for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is notintended to be limiting of the inventive concept. As used in thedescription of the inventive concept and the appended claims, thesingular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the pluralforms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It willalso be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to andencompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of theassociated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms“comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification,specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations,elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence oraddition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations,elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Embodiments of the inventive concept include a multi-platformomni-channel media content creator, which can accurately plan andproduce media content across a variety of channels, platforms, and/ordevices. For example, digital media content can be created and beassociated with various platforms (e.g., Facebook®, Twitter®, LinkedIn®,Google+®, Vine®, Snapchat®, Pinterest®, etc.) within a particularchannel (e.g., social). When planning for another channel (e.g., web),embodiments of the inventive concept can input certain different oradditional information to yield a webpage. By way of another example,for a channel such as retail, a template can be sent to a decal printer.

The multi-platform media content creator can include a seamless in-lineeditor for producing marketing media content. The techniques and systemsdisclosed herein allow a user to see exactly how a particular piece ofmedia content and/or post will look throughout the process of addingcontent. In other words, the user can see a true-to-life simulatedpreview of content as it would appear on a variety of mobile and desktopdisplays, and for a variety of different media platforms among variouschannels.

Embodiments of the inventive concept can include a collaborator sectionin which content creators can instantly chat, for example, within thecontext of a particular piece of content. In accordance with theembodiments of the inventive concept disclosed herein, systems andmethods disclosed herein allow businesses to create and plan marketingcontent, provide a collaborative environment in which team members caneasily communicate with each other regarding content creation, providetrue-to-life simulated previews of planned content as it actually willappear when published, obtain necessary approvals, and distribute thecontent to various media platforms. In addition, asset licensing usagerights for particular images or video clips can be enforced based ongeography or time, as further described below.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an example multi-platformomni-channel content creation and distribution system 100 for creatingand distributing multi-platform omni-channel content in accordance withvarious embodiments of the present inventive concept. The omni-channelcontent creation and distribution system 100 can include amulti-platform omni-channel media content creator 102. Themulti-platform omni-channel media content creator 102 can include amulti-platform media content data and logic structure 103. Themulti-platform media content data and logic structure 103 can include aservice logic section 130. For example, the service logic section 130can provide services for a media platform and/or channel, website logicfor a web platform and/or channel, or store logic for a retail store.The service logic section 130 can be communicatively coupled to anaccount logic section 135 and a content type logic section 140. Theaccount logic section 135 can receive, via an account region 115 of apiece of content 105, an input for selection of a particular account ofa particular media platform. The account logic section 135 can cause theselected account to be displayed in the account region 115. The accountlogic section 135 can provide account logic according to the platform.For example, a web page for a web-related platform can include differentaccount logic than for an in-store retail location. A description 120 ofthe account can be displayed adjacent to the account region 115 on thepiece of content 105.

The content type logic section 140 can be communicatively coupled to anoptions logic section 145. The options logic section 145 can receive aselection of options from a user, and can cause the selection of optionsto be displayed on the piece of content 105, or later distributed withmedia content 110. The content type logic section 140 can becommunicatively coupled to a layout logic section 150 and a displayslogic section 155. The layout logic section 150 can receive inputs fromthe user as to a desired layout of media content and/or posts. Thedisplays logic section 155 can cause the desired layout to be displayedon the piece of content 105 in a simulated true-to-life form as it willappear when later published, posted, distributed and/or uploaded to oneor more media platforms associated with one or more channels, such as amedia platform 175, media platform 180, and/or media platform 185. Thesimulated true-to-life preview can have the exact dimensions for aparticular media platform and device combination. For example, asimulated true-to-life preview of a Facebook® post can include the exactdimensions and layout as would appear when actually uploaded toFacebook®. By way of another example, the simulated true-to-life previewcan include a desktop view or a mobile view, which allows the user topreview with exact proportional dimensions how the piece of contentand/or post will appear under actual non-simulated real-worldcircumstances. In other words, the multi-platform media content data andlogic structure 103 can cause the simulated true-to-life preview section220 to show a piece of content (e.g., 105) with exact proportionaldimensions and appearance as it would appear under actual non-simulatedreal-world circumstances for a particular media platform (e.g., 175,180, and/or 185) and associated physical device (e.g., 190, 192, 194,and/or 196).

The various media platforms (e.g., 175, 180, and/or 185) can be accessedby different kinds of physical devices such as a smart phone 190, atablet 192, a laptop computer 194, a desktop computer 196, or the like.The multi-platform omni-channel content creation and distribution system100 can allow a user to preview the piece of content 105 in simulatedtrue-to-life form for any combination of platforms or channels (e.g.,175, 180, and/or 185) and/or physical device (e.g., 190, 192, 194,and/or 196). The channels can include user configured channels, asdescribed in further detail below.

The multi-platform media content data and logic structure 103 caninclude metadata 160, tags 165, and/or objects 170. The term “tags”includes labels or other identifying or keyword-based descriptiveinformation of the content. The metadata 160 can describe, for example,aspects or details of the piece of content 105 including the storedlocation of the media content 110, a textual description 125 that canaccompany the media content 110, the selected account, or the like. Thetags 165 can include keywords that are relevant to the media content 110and/or the textual description 125 of the piece of content 105. Theobjects 170 can include the media content 110 itself and/or otherobjects associated with the piece of content 105.

The multi-platform omni-channel content creator 102 can provide thecreated piece of content 105 for authorization by a suitable manager orcreative control authority, after which the piece of content 105 can bepublished, posted, distributed, and/or uploaded via the cloud 182 to oneor more of the media platforms (e.g., 175, 180, and 185) associated withone or more channels.

The multi-platform omni-channel media content creator 102 can include auser interface logic section 108. The user interface logic section 108can receive inputs from one or more users associated with the mediaplatforms (e.g., 175, 180, and 185) associated with one or morechannels. The user interface logic section 108 can provide such inputsto one or more of the components of the multi-platform media contentdata and logic structure 103. For example, the user interface logicsection 108 can interface with the service logic section 130, theaccount logic section 135, the content type logic section 140, thelayout logic section 150, the displays logic section 155, the optionslogic section 145, the piece of content 105, the metadata 160, the tags165, and/or the objects 170.

Moreover, the user interface logic section 108 can transmit informationfrom one or more of the components of the multi-platform omni-channelcontent creator 102 to the media platforms (e.g., 175, 180, and 185)associated with one or more channels. In addition, the user interfacelogic section 108 can transmit information from one or more of thecomponents of the multi-platform omni-channel content creator 102 to oneor more physical user devices such as the smart phone 190, the tablet192, the laptop computer 194, the desktop computer 196, or the like.

The multi-platform media content data and logic structure 103 caninclude an approval logic section 162. The approval logic section 162can facilitate obtaining approvals of the piece of content 105 from aduly authorized manager or content approver. The approval logic section162 can complete the approval seamlessly within the application. Forexample, the approval logic section 162 can cause the piece of contentto be transferred to the content approver, and can register and displayapproval status. Once approved, the distribution logic section 164 candistribute the approved piece of content 105 to the particular mediaplatform for publishing under actual non-simulated real-worldcircumstances.

The multi-platform omni-channel media content creator 102 can include astorage device 158 that is communicatively coupled to the user interfacelogic section 108. The storage device 158 can include any suitablevolatile or non-volatile storage medium such as random access memory(RAM), flash memory, magnetic storage media, or the like. The storagedevice 158 can store the metadata 160, tags 165, and/or objects 170. Thestorage device 158 can store user selections received via the userinterface logic section 108. The storage device 158 can storeinformation from the service logic section 130, the account logicsection 135, the options logic section 145, content type logic section140, the layout logic section 150, and/or the displays logic section155.

FIGS. 2 through 7 illustrate various embodiments of certain aspects ofthe multi-platform omni-channel media content creator 102 as shown on adisplay 200 in accordance with various embodiments of the presentinventive concept. The display 200 can be a display of a user's computeron which the media content and/or digital media posts are beinggenerated or planned. The display 200 can be, for example, a display ofa desktop computer or workstation.

As shown in FIG. 2, the multi-platform omni-channel content creator 102(of FIG. 1) can provide a single view 205 in which a metadata section210 and a simulated true-to-life preview section 220 are simultaneouslydisplayed on the display 200. For example, the single view 205 can be amulti-sectional view including the metadata section 210 in a firstsection thereof and the simulated true-to-life preview section 220 in asecond section thereof. The simulated true-to-life preview section 220can be disposed adjacent to the metadata section 210. The user can add,edit, and/or delete metadata information 215 within the metadata section210. The user interface logic section 108 (of FIG. 1) can receive thechanges to the metadata information 215, and cause the changes to bereflected in the simulated true-to-life preview section 220. The usercan add, edit, preview, switch view, and/or delete actual media contentinline within the simulated true-to-life preview section 220. In otherwords, the user can “work within” the simulated true-to-life previewsection 220 by dragging and dropping image content, video content, orthe like into the preview section 220. The user interface logic section108 (of FIG. 1) can detect such dragging and dropping of image content,video content, or the like, and can cause the simulated true-to-lifepreview section 220 to incorporate such content in real-time.

For example, the user can drag and drop an image 235 into the previewsection 220. Moreover, the user can resize, move, re-arrange, and soforth, the media content within the preview section 220 using a computermouse, touch screen gestures, or the like. In addition, the user candirectly type text (e.g., 240) into the preview section 220. By way ofother examples, the user can select an account 225 for a particularmedia platform. For example, a company may have multiple Facebook®accounts for different geographic regions of the world, and can selectwhich account to work on. A description 230 of the account 225 can bedisplayed adjacent to the account 225. The preview section 220 caninclude native icons or buttons (e.g., 245), which can be native, orspecifically tailored, to a particular media platform that is associatedwith the selected channel 225. The user interface logic section 108 (ofFIG. 1) can facilitate these interactions by receiving or otherwisedetecting the inputs and other information from the user and causing theinformation to be reflected in the simulated true-to-life previewsection 220.

The multi-platform omni-channel content creator 102 (of FIG. 1) cancause the inline media content to be displayed in simulated true-to-lifefashion during and/or after the creation and editing process. In otherwords, at every point along the creative pathway, the user can visualizeprecisely how the media content will be displayed on a particular mediaplatform, and on a particular kind of physical device.

FIG. 3 includes the single view 205 including the metadata section 210and the simulated true-to-life preview section 220, which can beprovided by the multi-platform omni-channel content creator 102 (of FIG.1). Some of the reference numerals and corresponding elements of FIG. 3are described above, and therefore, a detailed description of suchelements is not necessarily repeated. In addition, edit controls 310 canbe displayed adjacent to the simulated true-to-life preview section 220.The edit controls 310 can be used to edit the media content within thepreview section 220. The preview section 220 can also include atimestamp 305. For example, the timestamp 305 can indicate the last timean edit occurred. The preview section 220 can include text 315 that isdisposed above the image 235. The text 315, for example, can be anysuitable information, such as a branding campaign, an advertisingcampaign, a description of the image 235, or the like.

In some embodiments, the user interface logic section 108 can detect amanipulation by the user of the image 235 within the simulatedtrue-to-life preview section 220. The multi-platform media content dataand logic structure 102 can cause the simulated true-to-life previewsection 220 to show the manipulated image 235 within the piece ofcontent with exact proportional dimensions and appearance as it wouldappear under actual non-simulated real-world circumstances for theparticular media platform (e.g., 175, 180, and 185) and the associatedphysical device (e.g., 190, 192, 194, and 196).

FIG. 4 is similar to FIG. 3 but also includes a multi-image carousel405. Some of the reference numerals and corresponding elements of FIG. 4are described above, and therefore, a detailed description of suchelements is not necessarily repeated. The multi-image carousel 405 caninclude, for example, multiple images or pictures which can be scrolledusing arrow side-to-side buttons, or other suitable controls to skipdirectly to a particular image within the carousel 405.

As shown in FIG. 4, the multi-platform omni-channel content creator 102(of FIG. 1) can provide a single view 205 in which a metadata section210 and a simulated true-to-life preview section 220 are simultaneouslydisplayed on the display 200. The user can add, edit, and/or deletemetadata information 215 within the metadata section 210. The userinterface logic section 108 (of FIG. 1) can receive the changes to themetadata information 215, and cause the changes to be reflected in thesimulated true-to-life preview section 220. The user can add, edit,preview, switch view, and/or delete actual media content inline withinthe simulated true-to-life preview section 220. In other words, the usercan “work within” the simulated true-to-life preview section 220 bydragging and dropping image content, video content, or the like into thepreview section 220. The user interface logic section 108 (of FIG. 1)can detect such dragging and dropping of image content, video content,or the like, and can cause the simulated true-to-life preview section220 to incorporate such content in real-time.

For example, the user can drag and drop a multi-image carousel 405 intothe preview section 220. Alternatively or in addition, the user can dragand drop one or more images onto the multi-image carousel 405 to expandor enhance the multi-image carousel 405. Moreover, the user can resize,move, re-arrange, and so forth, the media content within the previewsection 220 using a computer mouse, touch screen gestures, or the like.In addition, the user can directly type text 315 into the previewsection 220. By way of other examples, the user can select an account225 for a particular media platform. A description 230 of the account225 can be displayed adjacent to the account 225. The preview section220 can include native icons or buttons (e.g., 245), which can benative, or specifically tailored, to a particular media platform that isassociated with the selected channel 225. The user interface logicsection 108 (of FIG. 1) can facilitate these interactions by receivingthe inputs and other information from the user and causing theinformation to be reflected in the simulated true-to-life previewsection 220.

The multi-platform omni-channel content creator 102 (of FIG. 1) cancause the inline media content to be displayed in simulated true-to-lifefashion during and/or after the creation and editing process. In otherwords, at every point along the creative pathway, the user can visualizeprecisely how the media content, such as the multi-image carousel 405,will be displayed on a particular media platform, and on a particularkind of physical device.

FIG. 5 is similar to FIG. 3 but also includes a video 505. The videoclip 505 can be previewed within the simulated true-to-life previewsection 220. Some of the reference numerals and corresponding elementsof FIG. 5 are described above, and therefore, a detailed description ofsuch elements is not necessarily repeated.

As shown in FIG. 5, the multi-platform omni-channel content creator 102(of FIG. 1) can provide a single view 205 in which a metadata section210 and a simulated true-to-life preview section 220 are simultaneouslydisplayed on the display 200. The user can add, edit, and/or deletemetadata information 215 within the metadata section 210. The userinterface logic section 108 (of FIG. 1) can receive the changes to themetadata information 215, and cause the changes to be reflected in thesimulated true-to-life preview section 220. The user can add, edit,preview, switch view, and/or delete actual media content inline withinthe simulated true-to-life preview section 220. In other words, the usercan “work within” the simulated true-to-life preview section 220 bydragging and dropping image content, video content, or the like into thepreview section 220. The user interface logic section 108 (of FIG. 1)can detect such dragging and dropping of image content, video content,or the like, and can cause the simulated true-to-life preview section220 to incorporate such content in real-time.

For example, the user can drag and drop a video clip 505 into thepreview section 220. Moreover, the user can resize, move, re-arrange,and so forth, the media content such as the video clip 505 within thepreview section 220 using a computer mouse, touch screen gestures, orthe like. In addition, the user can directly type text 315 into thepreview section 220. By way of other examples, the user can select anaccount 225 for a particular media platform. A description 230 of theaccount 225 can be displayed adjacent to the account 225. The previewsection 220 can include native icons or buttons (e.g., 245), which canbe native, or specifically tailored, to a particular media platform thatis associated with the selected channel 225. The user interface logicsection 108 (of FIG. 1) can facilitate these interactions by receivingthe inputs and other information from the user and causing theinformation to be reflected in the simulated true-to-life previewsection 220.

The multi-platform omni-channel content creator 102 (of FIG. 1) cancause the inline media content to be displayed in simulated true-to-lifefashion during and/or after the creation and editing process. In otherwords, at every point along the creative pathway, the user can visualizeprecisely how the media content, such as the video clip 505, will bedisplayed on a particular media platform, and on a particular kind ofphysical device.

FIG. 6 is similar to FIG. 3 but can also include layers 605. Some of thereference numerals and corresponding elements of FIG. 6 are describedabove, and therefore, a detailed description of such elements is notnecessarily repeated. The layers 605 can be previewed within thesimulated true-to-life preview section 220. The layers 605 can allow theuser to cause multiple objects to be layered one on top of anotherwithin the simulated true-to-life preview section 220.

A layer builder, such as that shown in FIG. 29 and described below, canreplace a template altogether and instead give the user the ability tobuild image parameters for any desired output (e.g., email banners orwebsite text blocks, etc.). Once the layers 605 are built, data fieldsand attributes can be added. This can be associated with configurablechannels and can include true-to-life simulated previews.

As shown in FIG. 6, the multi-platform omni-channel content creator 102(of FIG. 1) can provide a single view 205 in which a metadata section210 and a simulated true-to-life preview section 220 are simultaneouslydisplayed on the display 200. The user can add, edit, and/or deletemetadata information 215 within the metadata section 210. The userinterface logic section 108 (of FIG. 1) can receive the changes to themetadata information 215, and cause the changes to be reflected in thesimulated true-to-life preview section 220. The user can add, edit,preview, switch view, and/or delete actual media content inline withinthe simulated true-to-life preview section 220. In other words, the usercan “work within” the simulated true-to-life preview section 220 bydragging and dropping image content, video content, or the like into thepreview section 220. The user interface logic section 108 (of FIG. 1)can detect such dragging and dropping of layers, image content, videocontent, or the like, and can cause the simulated true-to-life previewsection 220 to incorporate such content in real-time.

For example, the user can drag and drop one or more layers 605 into thepreview section 220. Moreover, the user can resize, move, re-arrange,and so forth, the media content within the preview section 220 using acomputer mouse, touch screen gestures, or the like. In addition, theuser can directly type text 315 into the preview section 220. By way ofother examples, the user can select an account 225 for a particularmedia platform. A description 230 of the account 225 can be displayedadjacent to the account 225. The preview section 220 can include nativeicons or buttons (e.g., 245), which can be native, or specificallytailored, to a particular media platform that is associated with theselected channel 225. The user interface logic section 108 (of FIG. 1)can facilitate these interactions by receiving the inputs and otherinformation from the user and causing the information to be reflected inthe simulated true-to-life preview section 220.

The multi-platform omni-channel content creator 102 (of FIG. 1) cancause the inline media content to be displayed in simulated true-to-lifefashion during and/or after the creation and editing process. In otherwords, at every point along the creative pathway, the user can visualizeprecisely how the media content, such as the layers 605, will bedisplayed on a particular media platform, and on a particular kind ofphysical device.

FIG. 7 is similar to FIG. 3 but also includes a multi-image grid 705.Some of the reference numerals and corresponding elements of FIG. 7 aredescribed above, and therefore, a detailed description of such elementsis not necessarily repeated. The multi-image grid 705 can be previewedwithin the simulated true-to-life preview section 220, and can containmultiple images within a single grid.

As shown in FIG. 7, the multi-platform omni-channel content creator 102(of FIG. 1) can provide a single view 205 in which a metadata section210 and a simulated true-to-life preview section 220 are simultaneouslydisplayed on the display 200. The user can add, edit, and/or deletemetadata information 215 within the metadata section 210. The userinterface logic section 108 (of FIG. 1) can receive the changes to themetadata information 215, and cause the changes to be reflected in thesimulated true-to-life preview section 220. The user can add, edit,preview, switch view, and/or delete actual media content inline withinthe simulated true-to-life preview section 220. In other words, the usercan “work within” the simulated true-to-life preview section 220 bydragging and dropping image content, video content, or the like into thepreview section 220. The user interface logic section 108 (of FIG. 1)can detect such dragging and dropping of layers, image content, videocontent, or the like, and can cause the simulated true-to-life previewsection 220 to incorporate such content in real-time.

For example, the user can drag and drop one or more multi-image grids705 into the preview section 220. Moreover, the user can resize, move,re-arrange, and so forth, the media content within the preview section220 using a computer mouse, touch screen gestures, or the like. Inaddition, the user can directly type text 315 into the preview section220. By way of other examples, the user can select an account 225 for aparticular media platform. A description 230 of the account 225 can bedisplayed adjacent to the account 225. The preview section 220 caninclude native icons or buttons (e.g., 245), which can be native, orspecifically tailored, to a particular media platform that is associatedwith the selected channel 225. The user interface logic section 108 (ofFIG. 1) can facilitate these interactions by receiving the inputs andother information from the user and causing the information to bereflected in the simulated true-to-life preview section 220.

The multi-platform omni-channel content creator 102 (of FIG. 1) cancause the inline media content to be displayed in simulated true-to-lifefashion during and/or after the creation and editing process. In otherwords, at every point along the creative pathway, the user can visualizeprecisely how the media content, such as the multi-image grid 705, willbe displayed on a particular media platform, and on a particular kind ofphysical device.

FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of another example multi-platformomni-channel media content creation and distribution system 800 forcreating and distributing multi-platform media content in accordancewith various embodiments of the present inventive concept. Themulti-platform omni-channel media content creation and distributionsystem 800 can include a computer server 810 and a work station 825. Thework station 825 can function as a client to the server 810. Thecomputer server 810 can include a composer logic section 815. Thecomposer logic section 815 can include, for example, the multi-platformomni-channel content creator 102 (of FIG. 1). The work station 825 mayinclude a composer logic section 830, which may include themulti-platform omni-channel content creator 102. The work station 825and/or the computer server 810 can access templates 820. The templates820 can include layout configurations for the piece of content (e.g.,105 of FIG. 1) for each media platform and/or each physical device.

The templates 820 can include templates for all major marketing andsocial platforms. For example, the templates 820 can include a Facebook®template, a Twitter® template, a Linkedin® template, an Instagram®template, a Google+® template, or the like. Alternatively or inaddition, the templates 820 can include templates for web layouts (e.g.,WordPress®), or the like. Alternatively or in addition, the templates820 can include templates for print or retail layouts. The user and/oradministrator can select or otherwise establish one or more predefinedoutput parameters for any given channel, such as number of pixels,number of characters, number of colors, or the like. The channels can beconfigurable channels based on the predefined output parameters.

The work station 825 can receive media content 835. The media content835 can be used to generate one or more pieces of media content and/orposts (e.g., 105 of FIG. 1) for distribution to one or more mediaplatforms associated with one or more channels. The composer logicsection 830 can receive the media content 835, which can beincorporated, for example, into the simulated true-to-life previewsection 220 (of FIG. 2). Moreover, the composer logic section 830 canreceive the templates 820, which can be incorporated, for example, intothe simulated true-to-life preview section 220 (of FIG. 2). Thetemplates 820 can provide the scaffolding (e.g., a default layout,default dimensions, and the like) to the media content 835.

FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of yet another example multi-platformomni-channel media content creation and distribution system 900 forcreating and distributing multi-platform media content in accordancewith various embodiments of the present inventive concept. The system900 can include the cloud 805, the computer server 810 including thecomposer logic section 815, the work station 825 including the composerlogic section 830, the templates 820, and the content 835. Moreover,customers or users can access the media content through the variousmedia platforms associated with one or more channels using a phone 955,a smart phone 950, a laptop computer 925, a tablet 945, a work station940, a personal computer 965, or the like. The templates 820 and/or thecontent 835 can be stored in a cloud-accessible database 880 and/or on anetwork device 915.

FIG. 10 illustrates a flow diagram 1000 including a technique forcreating, collaborating on, approving, and distributing media content inaccordance with various embodiments of the present inventive concept.The technique can begin at 1005, where a channel selection can bereceived by the multi-platform omni-channel content creator 102 (of FIG.1). In other words, a user can select a particular channel from amongmultiple channels (e.g., social, email, web, print, retail, billboard,or the like). Alternatively or in addition, the user can select aparticular media platform from among multiple media platforms (e.g.,long form, mobile message, Pinterest®, press release, Facebook®,Twitter®, LinkedIn®, Google+®, Vine®, Snapchat®, Pinterest®, Tumblr®, orthe like). The user interface logic section 108 (of FIG. 1) can receiveand process the user selection. The user can select a particular accountassociated with the particular media platform. Thereafter, the flow canproceed along one of several paths. For example, the flow can proceed to1010, where uploaded content can be received by the multi-platformomni-channel content creator 102. For example, the user interface logicsection 108 (of FIG. 1) can receive and process the uploaded content.The storage device 158 (of FIG. 1) can store the uploaded content.Thereafter, the content can be displayed in real-time within atrue-to-life simulated preview at 1015. Alternatively, the flow canproceed to 1020, where the content can be edited inline within thepreview, after which, the edits can be reflected in real-time within thetrue-to-life simulated preview at 1025. For example, the user interfacelogic section 108 (of FIG. 1) can receive and process user edits. Thelayout logic section 150 and/or the displays logic section 155 can causethe edits to be reflected in the true-to-life simulated preview section220 (of FIG. 2).

At any time during and after the creation of a piece of media contentand/or a post (e.g., 105 of FIG. 1), the content can be previewed at1030. At 1035, the content can be saved by the storage device 158 (ofFIG. 1). The saved content can be accessed at any appropriate time toeither display the content or transfer the content. At 1040, multipleusers can collaborate about a particular piece of content, a particularpost under development, or the like. The collaboration can take the formof a real-time chat within the context of the multi-platformomni-channel content creator 102. In other words, a real-time chatwindow can be included within the single view (e.g., 205 of FIG. 2) thatincludes the simulated true-to-life preview section (e.g., 220 of FIG.2). At 1042, media content can be attributed with metadata includingattributes such as one or more tags, required approvers, or the like.

At 1045, a determination can be made whether the content and/or post isready for review. If NO, the flow can return for further processing,uploading, editing, collaborating, or the like. Otherwise, if YES, theflow can proceed to 1050 where the content can be sent or transferred,by the approval logic section 162 (of FIG. 1) to a client or workstationfor approval by a manager or other person having approving authority.The approval logic section 162 (of FIG. 1) can register and/or displaythe approval status. Once approved at 1052, the content and/or post canbe distributed, by the distribution logic section 165 of themulti-platform omni-channel media content creator 102, to the variousmedia platforms associated with one or more channels at 1056. Otherwise,if not approved at 1052, an approver comment can be returned at 1054 tothe user and/or content creator so that additional revisions can be madeto the media content. After completion and approval of a particularpiece of content, the process can be repeated by starting over at 1005.In other words, a different channel and/or media platform can beselected, and another different piece of content can be created withinthe simulated true-to-life preview section. Such process can be repeatedany suitable number of times for various channels and/or media platformsall using the same tool. It will be understood that the steps need notbe performed in the order shown, but rather, can be performed in adifferent order and/or with intervening steps.

FIGS. 11 through 26 illustrate various example embodiments of themulti-platform omni-channel content creator 102 of FIG. 1 in accordancewith various embodiments of the present inventive concept

FIG. 11 illustrates an example embodiment of a user interface 1105 ofthe multi-platform omni-channel content creator 102 of FIG. 1 includingan add content selection 1110 for adding media content, an approvalssection 1115 for requesting approval by a manager or other person havingapproving authority, a note section 1120 for adding a note, and achat+activity section 1125 for chatting and other kinds of collaborationamong multiple users of the multi-platform omni-channel content creator102. The user interface 1105 of the multi-platform omni-channel contentcreator 102 can also include a journal section 1130 configured todisplay recent actions related to a particular piece of content ormoment. The multi-platform omni-channel content creator 102 can alsoinclude an “Add your thoughts” section 1135 configured to receivethoughts in the form of textual input from the user. The user interfacelogic section 108 (of FIG. 1) can interface with one or more users,receive information from the one or more users, cause information to bedisplayed on a display in accordance with the user interface 1105, andcause information to be displayed within the user interface 1105.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example embodiment of a user interface 1205 ofthe multi-platform omni-channel content creator 102 of FIG. 1 includingthe add content selection 1110 with a drop down menu 1210 of variousmedia platforms and/or channels, which can include configurablechannels. Some of the reference numerals and corresponding elements ofFIG. 12 are described above, and therefore, a detailed description ofsuch elements is not necessarily repeated. Configurable channels canallow the user to quickly create a content shell for any channel, thencomplete in parts, add tags, replicate, move, or the like. A user canselect a particular media platform and/or channel from the drop downmenu 1210. For example, the drop down menu 1210 can include selectionsfor long form, mobile message, Pinterest®, press release, Snapchat®,Tumblr®, Twitter®, Vine®, or the like. The user interface logic section108 (of FIG. 1) can interface with one or more users, receiveinformation from the one or more users, cause information to bedisplayed in accordance with the add content selection 1110 andcorresponding drop down menu 1210, and cause information to be displayedin the user interface 1205.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example embodiment of a user interface 1305 ofthe multi-platform omni-channel content creator 102 of FIG. 1 includingan embodiment within the sequence of content creation, which can includea content shell 1310 within a window of the user interface 1305, whichcan be displayed on a display (e.g., 200 of FIG. 2). Some of thereference numerals and corresponding elements of FIG. 13 are describedabove, and therefore, a detailed description of such elements is notnecessarily repeated. The simulated true-to-life preview section 220(e.g., of FIG. 2) can be displayed within the content shell 1310. Theuser interface logic section 108 (of FIG. 1) can interface with one ormore users, receive information from the one or more users, causeinformation to be displayed on a display in accordance with the userinterface 1305, and cause information to be displayed within the userinterface 1305.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example embodiment of a user interface 1405 ofthe multi-platform omni-channel content creator 102 of FIG. 1 includinga pick content type option 1410. The pick content type option 1410allows the user to pick a type of content to be displayed. The contenttype logic section 140 (of FIG. 1) can cause the picked type of contentto be displayed via the user interface 1405. The user interface logicsection 108 (of FIG. 1) can interface with one or more users, receiveinformation from the one or more users, cause information to bedisplayed on a display in accordance with the user interface 1405, andcause information to be displayed within the user interface 1405.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example embodiment of a user interface 1505 ofthe multi-platform omni-channel content creator 102 of FIG. 1 includingthe pick content type option 1410 with a drop down menu of variouscontent types 1510 specific to the selected channel. For example, for aTwitter® channel, the types of content provided in the drop down menucan include Twitter® Standard or Twitter® Video. A user can select aparticular content type such as standard, videos, advertising, or thelike. Moreover, the user can define a new content type. The content typelogic section 140 (of FIG. 1) can store, display, and otherwise interactwith the user regarding the various content types 1510. The userinterface logic section 108 (of FIG. 1) can interface with one or moreusers, receive information from the one or more users, cause informationto be displayed on a display in accordance with the user interface 1505,and cause information to be displayed within the user interface 1505.

FIGS. 16 to 17 illustrate an example embodiment of various userinterfaces (e.g., 1605 and 1705) of the multi-platform omni-channelcontent creator 102 of FIG. 1 including a metadata section (e.g., 210)and a simulated true-to-life preview section (e.g., 220) simultaneouslydisplayed within a window of a display (e.g., 200 of FIG. 2). Themetadata section 210 can include the content type 1410, the content name1610, the account 1615, the time 1620, and tags 1625. The simulatedtrue-to-life preview section 220 can show a piece of content and/or postas it would appear on the selected media platform associated with one ormore channels. As shown in FIG. 17, an indicator 1710 can be shown tothe side of the simulated section 220 indicating how many remainingcharacters can be added to a tweet, for example. The simulatedtrue-to-life preview section 220 can simulate how the tweet willactually look after sending the tweet. The user interface logic section108 (of FIG. 1) can interface with one or more users, receiveinformation from the one or more users, cause information to bedisplayed on a display in accordance with the user interfaces 1505and/or 1605, and cause information to be displayed within the userinterface 1505 and/or 1605.

FIGS. 18-20 illustrate an example embodiment of user interfaces (e.g.,1805, 1905, and 2005, of the multi-platform omni-channel content creator102 of FIG. 1 including an asset library, which can have various savedassets such as images, videos, or the like. The user interfaces 1805 and1905 can include graphical and/or textual navigation information 1810,which can indicate the name of a content shell (e.g., “content creatortweet”) and its hierarchical place within an asset library. Assets canbe uploaded to the asset library using the upload assets 1815 selection.The asset library can hold media assets 1820 such as images, videos, orthe like. A user can select a particular asset, such as image 1910 asshown in FIG. 19, from among the saved assets 1820 in the asset library.The selected asset (e.g., 1910) can be displayed in the user interface2005 in association with a content shell, the simulated true-to-lifepreview section 220, or the like. The user interface logic section 108(of FIG. 1) can interface with one or more users, receive informationfrom the one or more users, cause information to be displayed on adisplay in accordance with the user interfaces 1805, 1905, and/or 2005,and cause information to be displayed within the user interface 1805,1905, and/or 2005. In addition, asset licensing usage rights forparticular images or video clips can be enforced based on geography ortime. For example, if an asset such as an image is only licensed to auser organization within a certain geographic region such as NorthAmerica, the asset library can enforce that limitation, either byprohibiting access to the image outside of North America, displaying anerror message in the user interface, or both. Alternatively or inaddition, if an asset such as an image is only licensed to a userorganization for a certain period of time, the asset library can enforcethat limitation, either by prohibiting access to the image outside ofthe licensed period of time, displaying an error message in the userinterface, or both.

FIG. 21 illustrates an example embodiment of a user interface 2105 ofthe multi-platform omni-channel content creator 102 of FIG. 1 includingthe selected asset (i.e., image 1910) from the asset library (of FIGS.18-20) displayed within the simulated true-to-life preview section 220.Some of the reference numerals and corresponding elements of FIG. 21 aredescribed above, and therefore, a detailed description of such elementsis not repeated. The user interface logic section 108 (of FIG. 1) caninterface with one or more users, receive information from the one ormore users, cause information to be displayed on a display in accordancewith the user interface 2105, and cause information to be displayedwithin the user interface 2105.

FIG. 22 illustrates an example embodiment of a user interface 2205 ofthe multi-platform omni-channel content creator 102 of FIG. 1 includinga metadata section (e.g., 210) and a simulated true-to-life previewsection (e.g., 220) simultaneously displayed within a window of adisplay (e.g., 200 of FIG. 2). The metadata section 210 can include amedia buy option 2210 indicating that the particular content has a mediabuy associated with it, and a corresponding start date 2215. The usercan enter an amount 2212 and a currency 2218 associated with the mediabuy 2210. For example, the amount 2212 can indicate a number of currencyunits, such as dollars. The metadata section 210 can include a pinnedcontent option 2220 to cause the content to be pinned, and an associatedpinned date 2225. The user and/or administrator can also configureoptions and/or fields that can be associated with the content. The userinterface logic section 108 (of FIG. 1) can interface with one or moreusers, receive information from the one or more users, cause informationto be displayed on a display in accordance with the user interface 2205,and cause information to be displayed within the user interface 2205.

FIG. 23 illustrates an example embodiment of a user interface 2305 ofthe multi-platform omni-channel content creator 102 of FIG. 1 includinga metadata section (e.g., 210) and a simulated true-to-life previewsection (e.g., 220) simultaneously displayed within a window of adisplay (e.g., 200 of FIG. 2). The metadata section 210 can include anoption 2310 to move the particular content to a different moment. Forexample, when a user selects the option 2310, the content creator 102can remove the particular content and associate it with another moment.The metadata section 210 can include an option 2315 to localize thecontent for a different geographic or cultural region. For example, thecontent creator 102 can duplicate content for a number of differentmarkets or geographic regions, with its own particular languages orcustoms, and also reference the original content that is localized. Themetadata section 210 can include a delete option 2320 for deleting theparticular content. The user interface logic section 108 (of FIG. 1) caninterface with one or more users, receive information from the one ormore users, cause information to be displayed on a display in accordancewith the user interface 2305, and cause information to be displayedwithin the user interface 2305.

FIG. 24 illustrates an example embodiment of a user interface 2405 ofthe multi-platform omni-channel content creator 102 of FIG. 1 includinga metadata section (e.g., 210) and a simulated true-to-life previewsection (e.g., 220) simultaneously displayed within a window of adisplay (e.g., 200 of FIG. 2). The metadata section 210 can include achat window 2410 within for real-time collaboration with other marketingpersonnel within the context of the particular piece of media contentand/or post that is under development within the simulated true-to-lifepreview section 220. The user interface logic section 108 (of FIG. 1)can interface with one or more users, receive information from the oneor more users, cause information to be displayed on a display inaccordance with the user interface 2405, and cause information to bedisplayed within the user interface 2405.

FIG. 25 illustrates an example embodiment of the multi-platformomni-channel content creator 102 of FIG. 1 including a metadata section(e.g., 210) and a simulated true-to-life preview section (e.g., 220)simultaneously displayed within a window of a display (e.g., 200 of FIG.2). The metadata section 210 can include a native option 2510 indicatingthat the piece of content and/or post is to be published, distributed,and/or uploaded manually to a particular media platform associated withone or more channels. The metadata section 210 can include informationregarding email publishing, website posting, decal printing, or thelike. The metadata section 210 can include an approval status indicator2515 of whether or not the particular piece of content and/or post hasbeen approved by a manager or other person in charge of makingapprovals. In addition, the metadata section 210 can include asuccessful delivery indicator 2520, and/or a successful publishingindicator 2525. The successful publishing indicator 2525 can bedependent on, for example, a confirmation from a publisher via aninterface with the publisher. The user interface logic section 108 (ofFIG. 1) can interface with one or more users, receive information fromthe one or more users, cause information to be displayed on a display inaccordance with the user interface 2505, and cause information to bedisplayed within the user interface 2505.

FIG. 26 illustrates an example embodiment of a user interface 2605 ofthe multi-platform omni-channel content creator 102 of FIG. 1 includinga metadata section (e.g., 210) and a simulated true-to-life previewsection (e.g., 220) simultaneously displayed within a window of adisplay (e.g., 200 of FIG. 2). The metadata section 210 can include anindicator 2610 of whether or not the particular piece of content and/orpost has been sent for approval. By way of other examples, contentdelivery metadata (e.g., 210) can be provided across channels, metadata(e.g., 210) can be associated with approval status, and/or metadata(e.g., 210) can include status from an integrated 3^(rd) party. The userinterface logic section 108 (of FIG. 1) can interface with one or moreusers, receive information from the one or more users, cause informationto be displayed on a display in accordance with the user interface 2605,and cause information to be displayed within the user interface 2605.

FIG. 27 illustrates an example embodiment of a user interface 2705 ofthe multi-platform omni-channel content creator 102 of FIG. 1 includinga metadata section 210 and a moment view section 2710. When the userselects a piece of content (e.g., 2715) within the moment view section2710 of FIG. 27, a composer view (such as shown in FIG. 16, FIG. 17, orFIG. 21) can open in which the user can see the simulated true-to-lifepreview section 220 and simultaneously edit the metadata sections 210described herein. In some embodiments, the metadata section 210 caninclude an add content selection 2720 for adding new content to themoment view section 2710, a note section 2725 for making notes orreminders regarding the development and refinement of the content, adiscussion and activity section 2730 for additional collaboration withother users and developers of the content, and/or an approval statussection 2735 to track the approval status of the media content. The userinterface logic section 108 (of FIG. 1) can interface with one or moreusers, receive information from the one or more users, cause informationto be displayed on a display in accordance with the user interface 2705,and cause information to be displayed within the user interface 2705.

FIG. 28 illustrates an example embodiment of a user interface 2805 ofthe multi-platform omni-channel content creator 102 of FIG. 1 includinga metadata section (e.g., 210) and a simulated true-to-life previewsection (e.g., 220) simultaneously displayed within a window of adisplay. The metadata section 210 can include a website name section2810 indicating a particular website or domain, a page section 2815 forindicating a particular webpage of the website, and a block editorsection 2820 for editing the block outlines, coloring, and otherarrangement details of a webpage. In addition, metadata section 210 caninclude a content name section 2825, a time stamp section 2830indicating a timestamp associated with the content, an update durationsection 2835 for indicating a duration of time in which the content canstay live, and a tags (i.e., labels) section 2840 for tagging thecontent with one or more identifying keywords. The simulatedtrue-to-life preview section 220 can include all parts and/or portionsof the website content. The user interface logic section 108 (of FIG. 1)can interface with one or more users, receive information from the oneor more users, cause information to be displayed on a display inaccordance with the user interface 2805, and cause information to bedisplayed within the user interface 2805.

FIG. 29 illustrates an example embodiment of a user interface 2905 ofthe multi-platform omni-channel content creator 102 of FIG. 1 includinga layer builder, which can include a simulated true-to-life previewsection (e.g., 220) displayed within a window of a display. Thesimulated true-to-life preview section 220 can occupy substantially theentire window of the display, and can include, for example, the websitecontent. Website elements can be directly added in the preview section220 with an add-en-element overlay window 2910. The user interface logicsection 108 (of FIG. 1) can interface with one or more users, receiveinformation from the one or more users, cause information to bedisplayed on a display in accordance with the user interface 2905, andcause information to be displayed within the user interface 2905.

It will be understood that the multi-platform omni-channel media contentcreator 102 can generate content for social media, web, retail, email,print media, banner ads, configurable channels, localizations, or thelike, all using the same fundamental tool and associated user interfacesas disclosed in detail herein.

Embodiments of the inventive concept include a multi-platformomni-channel content creation and distribution system. The system caninclude a multi-platform media content data and logic structure, a userinterface logic section configured to interface with a user and themulti-platform media content data and logic structure, and amulti-sectional view configured to be shown on a display. Themulti-sectional view can include a metadata section in a first sectionthereof and a simulated true-to-life preview section in a second sectionthereof. The user interface logic section can be configured to receivemetadata information from the user. The metadata section can beconfigured to display the metadata information. The multi-platform mediacontent data and logic structure can be configured to cause thesimulated true-to-life preview section to show a piece of content withexact proportional dimensions and appearance as it would appear underactual non-simulated real-world circumstances for a particular mediaplatform and associated physical device, and in accordance with themetadata.

In some embodiments, the user interface logic section is configured todetect a drag and drop of an image from the user onto the simulatedtrue-to-life preview section. In some embodiments, the multi-platformmedia content data and logic structure is configured to cause thesimulated true-to-life preview section to show the image within thepiece of content with exact proportional dimensions and appearance as itwould appear under actual non-simulated real-world circumstances for theparticular media platform and the associated physical device.

In some embodiments, the user interface logic section is configured todetect a manipulation by the user of the image within the simulatedtrue-to-life preview section. In some embodiments, the multi-platformmedia content data and logic structure is configured to cause thesimulated true-to-life preview section to show the manipulated imagewithin the piece of content with exact proportional dimensions andappearance as it would appear under actual non-simulated real-worldcircumstances for the particular media platform and the associatedphysical device.

In some embodiments, the user interface logic section is configured todetect a drag and drop of one or more images from the user onto amulti-image carousel disposed within the simulated true-to-life previewsection. In some embodiments, the multi-platform media content data andlogic structure is configured to cause the simulated true-to-lifepreview section to show the multi-image carousel within the piece ofcontent with exact proportional dimensions and appearance as it wouldappear under actual non-simulated real-world circumstances for theparticular media platform and the associated physical device.

In some embodiments, the user interface logic section is configured todetect a manipulation by the user of the multi-image carousel within thesimulated true-to-life preview section. In some embodiments, themulti-platform media content data and logic structure is configured tocause the simulated true-to-life preview section to show the manipulatedmulti-image carousel within the piece of content with exact proportionaldimensions and appearance as it would appear under actual non-simulatedreal-world circumstances for the particular media platform and theassociated physical device.

In some embodiments, the user interface logic section is configured todetect a drag and drop of a video clip from the user onto the simulatedtrue-to-life preview section. In some embodiments, the multi-platformmedia content data and logic structure is configured to cause thesimulated true-to-life preview section to show the video clip within thepiece of content with exact proportional dimensions and appearance as itwould appear under actual non-simulated real-world circumstances for theparticular media platform and the associated physical device.

In some embodiments, the user interface logic section is configured todetect a manipulation by the user of the video clip within the simulatedtrue-to-life preview section. In some embodiments, the multi-platformmedia content data and logic structure is configured to cause thesimulated true-to-life preview section to show the manipulated videoclip within the piece of content with exact proportional dimensions andappearance as it would appear under actual non-simulated real-worldcircumstances for the particular media platform and the associatedphysical device.

In some embodiments, the user interface logic section is configured todetect at least one of an add media content selection, an edit mediacontent selection, a preview media content selection, or a delete mediacontent selection by the user. In some embodiments, the multi-platformmedia content data and logic structure is configured to cause thesimulated true-to-life preview section to reflect the added mediacontent, the edited media content, the previewed media content, or thedeleted media content within the simulated true-to-life preview sectionwith exact proportional dimensions and appearance as it would appearunder actual non-simulated real-world circumstances for the particularmedia platform and the associated physical device.

In some embodiments, the particular media platform is associated with asocial media channel, and the physical device is at least one of a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop computer, or a desktop computer. In someembodiments, the particular media platform is associated with an emailchannel, and the physical device is at least one of a smart phone, atablet, a laptop computer, or a desktop computer. In some embodiments,the particular media platform is associated with a web channel, and thephysical device is at least one of a smart phone, a tablet, a laptopcomputer, or a desktop computer. In some embodiments, the particularmedia platform is associated with a print channel, and the physicaldevice is a printer. In some embodiments, the particular media platformis associated with a billboard channel, and the physical device is abillboard.

The multi-platform media content data and logic structure can include anaccount logic section configured to receive an input selection from theuser of a particular account from among a plurality of accounts of theparticular media platform. The account logic section can be furtherconfigured to cause the selected account to be displayed in an accountregion within the multi-sectional view, and to cause the piece ofcontent to have exact proportional dimensions and appearance as it wouldappear under actual non-simulated real-world circumstances for theselected account for the particular media platform and associatedphysical device. The multi-platform media content data and logicstructure can include a content type logic section configured to receivea content type selection from the user of a particular content type fromamong a plurality of content types of the particular media platform. Thecontent type logic section can be further configured to cause theselected content type to be displayed as it would appear under actualnon-simulated real-world circumstances for the selected account for theparticular media platform and associated physical device.

The multi-platform media content data and logic structure can includeone or more objects associated with the piece of content. Themulti-platform media content data and logic structure can includemetadata including the received metadata information from the user andother metadata information that describes one or more aspects of thepiece of content. The multi-platform media content data and logicstructure can include one or more tags including keywords that arerelevant to the piece of content.

The multi-platform omni-channel content creation and distribution systemcan further include edit controls configured to be displayed adjacent tothe simulated true-to-life preview section, wherein the edit controlsare configured to provide editing capability to the user to edit thepiece of content within the simulated true-to-life preview section. Themulti-platform omni-channel content creation and distribution system canfurther include a work station including a composer logic sectionaccessible by the user, wherein the composer logic section includes amulti-platform omni-channel content creator. The multi-platformomni-channel content creation and distribution system can furtherinclude a plurality of templates accessible via the work station by theuser, wherein each of the templates corresponds to a predefined layoutconfiguration of the piece of content for a corresponding media platformfrom among a plurality of media platforms.

In some embodiments, in response to a first channel selection by theuser, the particular media platform is associated with a social mediachannel. In some embodiments, in response to a second channel selectionby the user, the particular media platform is associated with an emailchannel. In some embodiments, in response to a third channel selectionby the user, the particular media platform is associated with a webchannel. In some embodiments, in response to a fourth channel selectionby the user, the particular media platform is associated with a printchannel. In some embodiments, in response to a fifth channel selectionby the user, the particular media platform is associated with abillboard channel. In some embodiments, the physical device is at leastone of a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, aprinter, or a billboard.

Embodiments of the inventive concept can include a computer-implementedmethod for creating multi-platform omni-channel media content. Themethod can include receiving and processing, by a user interface logicsection, a user selection from a user of a particular media platformfrom among a plurality of media platforms. The method can includestoring, by a storage device, the user selection of the particular mediaplatform. The method can include receiving, by the user interface logicsection, uploaded content from the user. The method can includedisplaying, by a display device, a multi-sectional view including ametadata section in a first section thereof and a simulated true-to-lifepreview section in a second section thereof, wherein the simulatedtrue-to-life preview section includes the uploaded content.

In some embodiments, the method can include receiving, by the userinterface logic section, metadata information from the user. The methodcan include displaying, by the display device, the metadata informationin the metadata section. The method can include causing, by amulti-platform media content data and logic structure, the simulatedtrue-to-life preview section to show a piece of content with exactproportional dimensions and appearance as it would appear under actualnon-simulated real-world circumstances for the particular media platformand associated physical device.

In some embodiments, the method can include receiving, by the userinterface logic section, user edits. The method can include editinginline, within the simulated true-to-life preview section, the piece ofcontent in accordance with the user edits. The method can includepreviewing, by the simulated true-to-life preview section, the piece ofcontent in real-time. The method can include saving, by the storagedevice, the piece of content. The method can include collaborating, bymultiple users in a real-time chat window within the multi-sectionalview, about the piece of content. The method can include attributing thepiece of content with metadata including one or more tags. The methodcan include attributing the piece of content with metadata including oneor more approvers. The method can include sending, by an approval logicsection, the piece of content to one or more content approvers. Themethod can include registering, by the approval logic section, anapproval status of the piece of content. The method can include, inresponse to a positive approval status, distributing, by a distributionlogic section, the approved piece of content to the particular mediaplatform for publishing under actual non-simulated real-worldcircumstances.

The following discussion is intended to provide a brief, generaldescription of a suitable machine or machines in which certain aspectsof the inventive concept can be implemented. Typically, the machine ormachines include a system bus to which is attached processors, memory,e.g., random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), or other statepreserving medium, storage devices, a video interface, and input/outputinterface ports. The machine or machines can be controlled, at least inpart, by input from conventional input devices, such as keyboards, mice,etc., as well as by directives received from another machine,interaction with a virtual reality (VR) environment, biometric feedback,or other input signal. As used herein, the term “machine” is intended tobroadly encompass a single machine, a virtual machine, or a system ofcommunicatively coupled machines, virtual machines, or devices operatingtogether. Exemplary machines include computing devices such as personalcomputers, workstations, servers, portable computers, handheld devices,telephones, tablets, etc., as well as transportation devices, such asprivate or public transportation, e.g., automobiles, trains, cabs, etc.

The machine or machines can include embedded controllers, such asprogrammable or non-programmable logic devices or arrays, ApplicationSpecific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), embedded computers, smart cards,and the like. The machine or machines can utilize one or moreconnections to one or more remote machines, such as through a networkinterface, modem, or other communicative coupling. Machines can beinterconnected by way of a physical and/or logical network, such as anintranet, the Internet, local area networks, wide area networks, etc.One skilled in the art will appreciate that network communication canutilize various wired and/or wireless short range or long range carriersand protocols, including radio frequency (RF), satellite, microwave,Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 545.11,Bluetooth®, optical, infrared, cable, laser, etc.

Embodiments of the inventive concept can be described by reference to orin conjunction with associated data including functions, procedures,data structures, application programs, etc. which when accessed by amachine results in the machine performing tasks or defining abstractdata types or low-level hardware contexts. Associated data can be storedin, for example, the volatile and/or non-volatile memory, e.g., RAM,ROM, etc., or in other storage devices and their associated storagemedia, including hard-drives, floppy-disks, optical storage, tapes,flash memory, memory sticks, digital video disks, biological storage,etc. Associated data can be delivered over transmission environments,including the physical and/or logical network, in the form of packets,serial data, parallel data, propagated signals, etc., and can be used ina compressed or encrypted format. Associated data can be used in adistributed environment, and stored locally and/or remotely for machineaccess.

Having described and illustrated the principles of the inventive conceptwith reference to illustrated embodiments, it will be recognized thatthe illustrated embodiments can be modified in arrangement and detailwithout departing from such principles, and can be combined in anydesired manner And although the foregoing discussion has focused onparticular embodiments, other configurations are contemplated. Inparticular, even though expressions such as “according to an embodimentof the invention” or the like are used herein, these phrases are meantto generally reference embodiment possibilities, and are not intended tolimit the inventive concept to particular embodiment configurations. Asused herein, these terms can reference the same or different embodimentsthat are combinable into other embodiments.

Embodiments of the invention may include a non-transitorymachine-readable medium comprising instructions executable by one ormore processors, the instructions comprising instructions to perform theelements of the embodiments as described herein.

Consequently, in view of the wide variety of permutations to theembodiments described herein, this detailed description and accompanyingmaterial is intended to be illustrative only, and should not be taken aslimiting the scope of the inventive concept. What is claimed as theinvention, therefore, is all such modifications as may come within thescope and spirit of the following claims and equivalents thereto.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A multi-platform omni-channel contentcreation and distribution system, comprising: a non-transitorymachine-readable medium comprising instructions executable by one ormore processors, the instructions including: a multi-platform mediacontent data and logic structure; a user interface logic sectionconfigured to interface with a user and the multi-platform media contentdata and logic structure; and a multi-sectional view configured to beshown on a display, the multi-sectional view including a metadatasection in a first section thereof and a simulated true-to-life previewsection in a second section thereof, wherein the user interface logicsection is configured to receive metadata information from the user, themetadata section is configured to display the metadata information, andthe multi-platform media content data and logic structure is configuredto cause the simulated true-to-life preview section to show mediacontent with exact proportional dimensions and appearance as it wouldappear under actual non-simulated real-world circumstances for aparticular media platform and associated physical device, and inaccordance with the metadata, wherein: the user interface logic sectionis configured to detect a drag and drop of an image from the user ontothe simulated true-to-life preview section; the multi-platform mediacontent data and logic structure is configured to cause the simulatedtrue-to-life preview section to show the image within the media contentwith exact proportional dimensions and appearance as it would appearunder actual non-simulated real-world circumstances for the particularmedia platform and the associated physical device; the user interfacelogic section is configured to detect a manipulation by the user of theimage within the simulated true-to-life preview section; themulti-platform media content data and logic structure is configured tocause the simulated true-to-life preview section to show the manipulatedimage within the media content with exact proportional dimensions andappearance as it would appear under actual non-simulated real-worldcircumstances for the particular media platform and the associatedphysical device; the user interface logic section is configured todetect a drag and drop of one or more images from the user onto amulti-image carousel disposed within the simulated true-to-life previewsection; the multi-platform media content data and logic structure isconfigured to cause the simulated true-to-life preview section to showthe multi-image carousel within the media content with exactproportional dimensions and appearance as it would appear under actualnon-simulated real-world circumstances for the particular media platformand the associated physical device; the user interface logic section isconfigured to detect a manipulation by the user of the multi-imagecarousel within the simulated true-to-life preview section; themulti-platform media content data and logic structure is configured tocause the simulated true-to-life preview section to show the manipulatedmulti-image carousel within the media content with exact proportionaldimensions and appearance as it would appear under actual non-simulatedreal-world circumstances for the particular media platform and theassociated physical device; the user interface logic section isconfigured to detect a drag and drop of a video clip from the user ontothe simulated true-to-life preview section; the multi-platform mediacontent data and logic structure is configured to cause the simulatedtrue-to-life preview section to show the video clip within the mediacontent with exact proportional dimensions and appearance as it wouldappear under actual non-simulated real-world circumstances for theparticular media platform and the associated physical device; the userinterface logic section is configured to detect a manipulation by theuser of the video clip within the simulated true-to-life previewsection; the multi-platform media content data and logic structure isconfigured to cause the simulated true-to-life preview section to showthe manipulated video clip within the media content with exactproportional dimensions and appearance as it would appear under actualnon-simulated real-world circumstances for the particular media platformand the associated physical device; the user interface logic section isconfigured to detect at least one of an add media content selection, anedit media content selection, a preview media content selection, or adelete media content selection by the user; the multi-platform mediacontent data and logic structure is configured to cause the simulatedtrue-to-life preview section to reflect the added media content, theedited media content, the previewed media content, or the deleted mediacontent within the simulated true-to-life preview section with exactproportional dimensions and appearance as it would appear under actualnon-simulated real-world circumstances for the particular media platformand the associated physical device; in response to a first channelselection by the user, the particular media platform is associated witha social media channel; in response to a second channel selection by theuser, the particular media platform is associated with an email channel;in response to a third channel selection by the user, the particularmedia platform is associated with a web channel; in response to a fourthchannel selection by the user, the particular media platform isassociated with a print channel; in response to a fifth channelselection by the user, the particular media platform is associated witha billboard channel; the physical device is at least one of a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a printer, or abillboard; the metadata section in the first section of themulti-sectional view and the simulated true-to-life preview sectionincluding all of the media content in the second section of themulti-sectional view are simultaneously visible in their entirety on thedisplay; in direct response to the metadata being entered into themetadata section by the user, the multi-platform media content data andlogic structure is configured to automatically cause the simulatedtrue-to-life preview section to be updated in real-time, wherein themetadata section in the first section of the multi-sectional viewincludes an approvals section to request approval by a person havingapproving authority, and an approval status indicator that indicateswhether or not the media content has been approved by the person havingapproving authority; and wherein the metadata section in the firstsection of the multi-sectional view includes a successful publishingindicator that is dependent on a confirmation from a publisher via aninterface with the publisher that the media content has been published.2. A computer-implemented method for creating multi-platformomni-channel media content, the method comprising: receiving andprocessing, by a user interface logic section, a user selection from auser of a particular media platform from among a plurality of mediaplatforms; storing, by a storage device, the user selection of theparticular media platform; receiving, by the user interface logicsection, uploaded content from the user; and displaying, by a displaydevice, a multi-sectional view including a metadata section in a firstsection thereof and a simulated true-to-life preview section in a secondsection thereof, wherein the simulated true-to-life preview sectionincludes the uploaded content; receiving, by the user interface logicsection, metadata information from the user; displaying, by the displaydevice, the metadata information in the metadata section; causing, by amulti-platform media content data and logic structure, the simulatedtrue-to-life preview section to show media content with exactproportional dimensions and appearance as it would appear under actualnon-simulated real-world circumstances for the particular media platformand associated physical device; wherein displaying on the display deviceincludes simultaneously displaying the metadata section in the firstsection of the multi-sectional view and the simulated true-to-lifepreview section including all of the media content in the second sectionof the multi-sectional view in their entirety on the display; wherein indirect response to the metadata being entered into the metadata sectionby the user, automatically causing, by the multi-platform media contentdata and logic structure, the simulated true-to-life preview section tobe updated in real-time; wherein displaying the metadata section in thefirst section of the multi-sectional view includes displaying anapprovals section to request approval by a person having approvingauthority, and displaying an approval status indicator that indicateswhether or not the media content has been approved by the person havingapproving authority; and wherein displaying the metadata section in thefirst section of the multi-sectional view includes displaying asuccessful publishing indicator that is dependent on a confirmation froma publisher via an interface with the publisher that the media contenthas been published.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising:receiving, by the user interface logic section, user edits; editinginline, within the simulated true-to-life preview section, the mediacontent in accordance with the user edits; previewing, by the simulatedtrue-to-life preview section, the media content in real-time; saving, bythe storage device, the media content; collaborating, by multiple usersin a real-time chat window within the multi-sectional view, about themedia content; attributing the media content with metadata including oneor more tags; attributing the media content with metadata including oneor more approvers; sending, by an approval logic section, the mediacontent to one or more content approvers; registering, by the approvallogic section, an approval status of the media content; and in responseto a positive approval status, automatically distributing, by adistribution logic section, the approved media content to the particularmedia platform for publishing under actual non-simulated real-worldcircumstances.
 4. The multi-platform omni-channel content creation anddistribution system of claim 1, wherein the metadata section includes: amedia buy option indicating that the media content has a media buyassociated with it; a start date corresponding with the media buyoption; a pinned content option to cause the media content to be pinned;and a pinned date associated with the pinned content option.
 5. Themethod of claim 2, further comprising: receiving, by an account logicsection, an input selection from the user of a particular account fromamong a plurality of accounts of the particular media platform; causing,by the account logic section, the selected account to be simultaneouslyvisible in an account region within the multi-sectional viewsimultaneously with the metadata section being visible in the firstsection of the multi-sectional view in their entirety on the display;causing, by the account logic section, the selected account to besimultaneously visible in the account region within the multi-sectionalview simultaneously with the simulated true-to-life preview sectionincluding all of the media content in the second section of themulti-sectional view being visible in the first section of themulti-sectional view in their entirety on the display; causing the mediacontent to have exact proportional dimensions and appearance as it wouldappear under actual non-simulated real-world circumstances for theselected account for the particular media platform and associatedphysical device; receiving, by a content type logic section, a contenttype selection from the user of a particular content type from among aplurality of content types of the particular media platform; andcausing, by the content type logic section, the selected content type tobe displayed as it would appear under actual non-simulated real-worldcircumstances for the selected account for the particular media platformand associated physical device.
 6. The method of claim 2, furthercomprising: displaying edit controls such that the edit controls aresimultaneously visible in their entirety adjacent to the simulatedtrue-to-life preview section while the metadata section in the firstsection of the multi-sectional view and the simulated true-to-lifepreview section including all of the media content in the second sectionof the multi-sectional view are simultaneously visible in their entiretyon the display; and providing editing capability, by the edit controls,to the user to edit the media content within the simulated true-to-lifepreview section.
 7. The method of claim 2, further comprising:indicating, in a website name section of the meta data section, aparticular website; indicating, in a page section of the metadatasection, a particular webpage of the particular website; indicating, bya time stamp section of the metadata section, a timestamp associatedwith the media content; indicating, by an update duration section of themetadata section, a duration of time in which the media content stayslive; tagging, by a tags section of the metadata section, the mediacontent with one or more identifying keywords; and storing theparticular webpage, the timestamp, the duration of time, and the one ormore identifying keywords in the storage device.
 8. The method of claim2, wherein the metadata section includes a content type section, themethod further comprising: in direct response to a content typeselection being entered into the metadata section by the user,automatically causing, by the multi-platform media content data andlogic structure, the simulated true-to-life preview section to beupdated in real-time.
 9. The method of claim 2, wherein the metadatasection includes a regions section, the method further comprising: indirect response to a regions selection being entered into the metadatasection by the user, automatically causing, by the multi-platform mediacontent data and logic structure, the simulated true-to-life previewsection to be updated in real-time.
 10. The method of claim 2, whereinthe metadata section includes a labels section, the method furthercomprising: in direct response to one or more labels being entered intothe metadata section by the user, automatically causing, by themulti-platform media content data and logic structure, the simulatedtrue-to-life preview section to be updated in real-time.
 11. The methodof claim 3, further comprising simultaneously displaying the real-timechat window in the multi-sectional view on the display devicesimultaneously with the simulated true-to-life preview section beingvisible in the multi-sectional view on the display device.
 12. Themulti-platform omni-channel content creation and distribution system ofclaim 1, wherein the multi-platform media content data and logicstructure includes: an account logic section configured to receive aninput selection from the user of a particular account from among aplurality of accounts of the particular media platform; wherein theaccount logic section is further configured to cause the selectedaccount to be simultaneously visible in an account region within themulti-sectional view simultaneously with the metadata section beingvisible in the first section of the multi-sectional view in theirentirety on the display; wherein the account logic section is furtherconfigured to cause the selected account to be simultaneously visible inthe account region within the multi-sectional view simultaneously withthe simulated true-to-life preview section being visible including allof the media content in the second section of the multi-sectional viewin their entirety on the display; wherein the account logic section isconfigured to cause the media content to have exact proportionaldimensions and appearance as it would appear under actual non-simulatedreal-world circumstances for the selected account for the particularmedia platform and associated physical device; further comprising acontent type logic section configured to receive a content typeselection from the user of a particular content type from among aplurality of content types of the particular media platform, wherein thecontent type logic section is further configured to cause the selectedcontent type to be displayed as it would appear under actualnon-simulated real-world circumstances for the selected account for theparticular media platform and associated physical device; wherein thecontent type logic section is further configured to cause the selectedcontent type to be simultaneously visible in a content type regionwithin the multi-sectional view simultaneously with the metadata sectionbeing visible in the first section of the multi-sectional view in theirentirety on the display; wherein the content type logic section isfurther configured to cause the selected content type to besimultaneously visible in the content type region within themulti-sectional view simultaneously with the simulated true-to-lifepreview section being visible including all of the media content in thesecond section of the multi-sectional view in their entirety on thedisplay; and wherein the content type logic section is configured tocause the media content to have exact proportional dimensions andappearance as it would appear under actual non-simulated real-worldcircumstances for the selected content type for the particular mediaplatform and associated physical device.
 13. The multi-platformomni-channel content creation and distribution system of claim 1,wherein the multi-platform media content data and logic structureincludes: one or more objects associated with the media content, whereinthe one or more objects are layered one on top of another within thesimulated true-to-life preview section; metadata including the receivedmetadata information from the user; and one or more tags including oneor more keywords that are relevant to the media content, wherein the oneor more keywords are relevant to a textual description of the mediacontent, and wherein the one or more keywords identify the mediacontent.
 14. The multi-platform omni-channel content creation anddistribution system of claim 1, further comprising: edit controlsconfigured to be simultaneously visible in their entirety adjacent tothe simulated true-to-life preview section simultaneously with themetadata section being visible in the first section of themulti-sectional view in their entirety on the display; wherein the editcontrols are configured to be simultaneously visible in their entiretywith the simulated true-to-life preview section including all of themedia content in the second section of the multi-sectional view in theirentirety on the display; wherein the edit controls are configured toprovide editing capability to the user to edit the media content withinthe simulated true-to-life preview section; and further comprising aplurality of templates accessible via the work station by the user,wherein each of the templates corresponds to a predefined layoutconfiguration of the media content for a corresponding media platformfrom among a plurality of media platforms, wherein the templates includea Facebook® template, a Twitter® template, a Linkedin® template, and anInstagram® template.
 15. The multi-platform omni-channel contentcreation and distribution system of claim 14, wherein: the Facebook®template provides predefined layout configuration and default dimensionsfor the media content for a Facebook® media platform from among theplurality of media platforms; the Twitter® template provides predefinedlayout configuration and default dimensions for the media content for aTwitter® media platform from among the plurality of media platforms; theLinkedin® template provides predefined layout configuration and defaultdimensions for the media content for a Linkedin® media platform fromamong the plurality of media platforms; and the Instagram® templateprovides predefined layout configuration and default dimensions for themedia content for a Instagram® media platform from among the pluralityof media platforms.
 16. The multi-platform omni-channel content creationand distribution system of claim 15, further comprising acloud-accessible database configured to store the media content, theFacebook® template, the Twitter® template, the Linkedin® template, andthe Instagram® template.
 17. The multi-platform omni-channel contentcreation and distribution system of claim 15, further comprising a pickcontent type option including a drop down menu having a Twitter®Standard content type and a Twitter® Video content type.
 18. Themulti-platform omni-channel content creation and distribution system ofclaim 15, further comprising an indicator shown to a side of thesimulated true-to-life preview section that indicates how many remainingcharacters can be added to a tweet.
 19. The multi-platform omni-channelcontent creation and distribution system of claim 15, further comprisingan asset library configured to enforce licensing usage rights of atleast one image or video clip.
 20. The multi-platform omni-channelcontent creation and distribution system of claim 19, wherein the assetlibrary is configured to enforce the licensing usage rights byprohibiting access to the at least one image or video clip based on atleast one of geography or time.